Al Sadu weaving is a traditional Bedouin craft that was at risk of being forgotten by younger generations in Kuwait. To enhance the viability of this heritage, an educational programme was created in 2018 to train art teachers in Al Sadu weaving techniques. Master weavers, local artisans, and families were involved through exhibitions, workshops, and digital outreach. The integration of the programme into public education enabled the training of over 150,000 middle school students, demonstrating the effectiveness of education-based approaches to safeguarding living heritage, which could certainly inspire similar efforts across the globe.
© Al Sadu Society, Koweit, 2018
What was the need?
In Kuwait, the traditional craft of Al Sadu weaving, once passed down informally through Bedouin families, was facing the risk of decline as lifestyle changes disrupted intergenerational transmission. With fewer young people learning the craft and its limited visibility in modern life, there was an urgent need to safeguard Al Sadu. The economic viability of the craft, as well as access to materials, were also critical challenges.
‘The programme has been an outstanding success, as we have trained heads of departments who have returned to their schools and now train their teams of teachers, who, in turn, have gone on to teach hundreds of students. This chain of action and transfer of knowledge will help us to protect the cultural heritage of Kuwait both for this generation and future generations.’
Shelby Allaho, weaving trainer for Al Sadu Society
© Al Sadu Society, Kuwait, 2018
What approaches were implemented?
Developed by the Al Sadu Society in collaboration with Kuwait’s Ministry of Education, the Al Sadu Educational Programme provided training for art teachers in both traditional and contemporary weaving techniques, with guidance from master weavers. Video tutorials and manuals were made available to teachers, who were then entrusted with transmitting the knowledge to thousands of eighth-grade students throughout the country. To further promote this heritage, the Al Sadu Society supplied artisans with the necessary materials, and hosted activities such as public exhibitions, workshops, and an end-of-year student exhibition at Sadu House. Regular awareness-raising events, including exhibitions, were also organized to enhance the visibility of Al Sadu weaving.
The ‘Al Sadu Educational Programme: Train the Trainers in the art of weaving’ was selected for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices in 2022.
‘l was introduced to this interesting workshop (…) while going through my Instagram feed one day. (…) Although l had no artistic inclinations or abilities, it caught my interest and curiosity, and l applied. l feel honoured and lucky that this literally ‘popped into my life’. Even though l am a native Kuwait of Arabian heritage, l didn’t really know much about Sadu, let alone weaving it and its practical role in my daily life.’
Lamma Al Bassam, participant of Al Sadu workshop in 2019
© Al Sadu Society, Kuwait, 2018
How did it work?
Over 150,000 students have completed the programme since its inception in 2018.The programme has led to increased student participation in safeguarding living heritage in Kuwait, and a rise in social media engagement. Teachers have also embraced Al Sadu, with many joining the Al Sadu Society to deepen their skills and contribute to its safeguarding.
The training-of-trainers model has proven effective, enabling a small number of master weavers to reach a broad audience efficiently. Regular curriculum updates every two years help the programme to stay relevant and ensure that weaving techniques remain well-aligned with evolving educational standards. Additionally, the programme demonstrates the importance of exhibitions in increasing public awareness and encouraging participation, fostering pride and boosting economic opportunities for artisans.
This experience illustrates how sustained government and institutional support, along with education and outreach strategies, can effectively reinforce the cultural significance of threatened living heritage in society.
© Al Sadu Society, 2024
How was the community involved?
Master weavers, students, teachers, and families played a vital role in this safeguarding experience, through their collaborative work with the Al Sadu Society. Master weavers shared their skills and knowledge during initial training sessions, while teachers integrated the craft into school curricula. Public exhibitions, workshops, and awareness-raising events encouraged broader participation, allowing families and local artisans to celebrate Al Sadu’s cultural significance. Community feedback was gathered through surveys, with many teachers, students, and artisans expressing their support for the programme. This demonstrates strong community endorsement and ongoing involvement in safeguarding the knowledge that sustains this craft.
Contacts for sharing experience
Al-Sadu Society
15 Arabian Gulf St, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Languages for contact: Arabic and English
+965 99700006
balsabah@alsadu.org.kw; info@alsadu.org.kw
To learn more
- Videos about this experience
Other links
- Al Sadu Educational Programme: Train the trainers in the art of weaving
- Traditional weaving of Al Sadu
- Art of Weaving Curriculum ‘Al Ragoum’: English